A Healthy Start to the New Year

Hi, my name is Denise. I work in the Kraft Kitchens as a Food Professional with Wendy. I am also a Registered Dietitian. Wendy asked me to share some healthy eating tips as well as some recipes for a Healthy New Year’s Brunch. Here are some healthy habits that you might want to incorporate into your New Year Resolutions.

• Monitor your portions and serving sizes. Portion sizes have grown by leaps and bounds. Make sure to read labels and nutrition facts. Understand what exactly constitutes a serving size. It’s usually less than you think. A food package most often contains more than one serving. The nutrition label will usually only refer to one serving; not the whole package.
• Stock your refrigerator and pantry with healthy, wholesome ingredients. Substitute low fat products for their full fat counterparts. Load up on whole grain pastas, rice, cereals, and breads. Have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables available.
• Always eat breakfast. A good nutritious breakfast will keep your blood-sugar levels stable and help to sustain you until lunchtime.
• Drink water throughout the day. Water is essential for digestion. It also helps us to feel full. It is easy to confuse hunger for thirst. Keep water by your side and sip it throughout the day—you may find that you eat less.
• Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals leads to low blood sugar. This can create sudden hunger pains which can cause binge eating. Plus if we skip a meal, our body will think that we are in the starvation mode and therefore slow down the metabolism to compensate.
• Get up and MOVE. It’s great to be aware of our intake of fat and calories, but to complete the transition to a healthier lifestyle; we must burn calories by doing some regular exercise. You don’t have to join a gym or invest in a treadmill. Find a friend or persuade your significant other to join you for a brisk 30-minute walk. Make sure to set realistic goals. There is no point starting a rigorous regime that you can’t keep up with or don’t enjoy doing. Make sure that you do consult with a doctor before starting any exercise program, especially if you have been mostly inactive until now.

You don’t need to deprive yourself of anything. If you just follow these basic guidelines and always remember “everything in moderation” you’ll do just fine. Happy New Year!To start the New Year off right, I have put together a suggested menu for New Years Day Brunch.

How can you have brunch and not have Mimosa’s? This mock Mimosa recipe is sure to get things started. Not only is it delightfully refreshing, but it provides a great source of Vitamin C.


Mock Mimosa
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=42984v0

These appetizers are some of my favorites that always bring rave reviews (and recipe requests!). Each is different from the other yet join together to make an interesting selection for your guests.


Italian Cottage Dip
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=54293

Mini Florentine Cups
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=44586v0

Nuts 'N Fruit Munch Mix
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=65879

Now…on to the main event. For starters, I always like to begin with a nice salad. This one is special and seems to belong at brunch because of the combination of strawberries and poppy seed dressing.



Festive Strawberry Nut Salad
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=36163v5

The following recipe is so incredibly easy yet looks like you spent hours preparing it.


Easy Ham & Eggs Benedict
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=52438

For a side dish, these roasted potatoes are sure to be a hit.


Roasted Red Potatoes with Bacon & Cheese
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=76135

For me, muffins are an essential at brunch. These are one of my favorites.


Apple-Walnut Muffins
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=75261

Serve fresh fruit and offer this refreshing dip on the side:


Strawberry Fruit Dip
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=62455

By now you must be feeling full. However, brunch just isn’t brunch without a little dessert to cap it off. Enjoy one of these!

Creamy Layered Fruit Sensation
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=90571

Banana Pudding Squares
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=94520

Elegant Appetizers and Refreshing Drinks for New Year's Eve

A New Year’s Eve party is fun to host. It’s a carefree time to spend with friends and families. Instead of going to a crowded club or restaurant, my husband and I prefer a house party, with a few of our closest friends and family. This year we will gather around 9:00 for appetizers and drinks and we’ll greet the midnight hour with hugs and well-wishes for all.

Since we usually only have adults at the party, we like to keep the mood somewhat elegant. I’ve put together some helpful tips to help you entertain with elegance and ease: a selection of hot and cold appetizers to impress your guests and won't keep you in the kitchen all night and cocktails that are as sophisticated as they are easy. So raise your glasses high and say “Cheers” to a memorable evening. Five, four, three, two, one … Happy New Year!

First of all, I find that being prepared and planning ahead is the key to a successful party. I like to make a list of everything for the party, including a guest list, menu, grocery list, a list of serving dishes and utensils, and decorations. Then I plan out a schedule of when I will prepare or prep for the party food. That way, I’ll be sure that I have everything covered and will not forget anything. Lists can help you attain and keep a relaxed and carefree mood that will set the tone for the party.

Planning the Menu
Choose a selection of cold and hot appetizers you can prepare ahead to save time and avoid spending the entire night in the kitchen. After all, you want to spend time mingling with your guests.
Resist the urge to create a menu that has too many complicated dishes in it. Some of the simplest foods can dazzle guests if you present them in an elegant fashion. Serve a few items that will dazzle your guests, but then keep the rest simple. The bigger the party, the simpler the food should be. Here are some ideas that will impress your guests without spending a ton of time in the kitchen.















Chicken & Cranberry Boats This recipe can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=75132

Mini Broccoli & Ham Cups For a variation, try substituting spinach for broccoli and pecans for almonds. http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=92004

Flavor Infused Cream Cheese Nibbles You can use the leftover as a topper for your toasted bagel the next day.
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=92065

Shrimp Ceviche You can substitute cooked scallops for some of the shrimp.http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=64376

Mini New Potato Bites The potatoes and the cream cheese mixture can be prepare the day before and be assembled just before serving.http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=90968

Southern Style Crab Cakes with Cool Lime Sauce

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=51128

Make-Ahead Spinach Phyllo Roll-Ups

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=62581

Olive & Cheese Appetizers

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=50682

Along with Champagne, I like to toast the New Year with some signiature cocktails. Here are some of my favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink recipes. Be sure every guest has a designated driver. Keep a phone number of a cab company handy in case you have a guest that is not able to drive home.


Double Berry Martini You can substitute fresh raspberries for cranberries.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=66257

Apple “Lemontini” For a sophisticated look, dip the rim of the glass in water; then dip in cinnamon sugar.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=89047

Raspberry Orange Sangria Punch A taste of Spain without the alcohol. Garnish each glass with lemon, lime and orange slices.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=55030

Select the Dishware You Will Use
After deciding on the menu, make a plan for the plates, platters, baskets, and serving utensils you will be using. Use upside down bowls draped in cloth to set dishes on to add height and interest to your table. Get everything out ahead of time and label each one with a stick-on note, telling what that item will be used for. This will make it easy for you or a helper to know what to put in each dish.

Setting the Scene
• Decorations - Keep it simple. Balloons always add festivity to a party. Tie a few balloons to a heavy object and place them casually in corners on the floor around the house.
• Set up a mini bar at the front door and greet guests with a cocktail or glass of bubbly as you take their coats.
• Place groups of white and silver pillar candles of varying sizes and heights in safe places - on the coffee table, on end tables and on either side of the bar. Wrap candle bases loosely in festive silver ribbon, using clear double-sided tape to secure.
• Set the table with a silver cloth and napkins (paper is fine); tie napkins with a thin, red ribbon. Create a curvy path of red votive candles down the center of the table. Wind a garland or ribbon around candles, or sprinkle confetti in amongst them.

• Swap your front, outside light for a red one, so arriving guests are basked in a warm glow. Wind strands of white lights up a banister to illuminate a stairway.

At the Midnight Hour
Have some people be the designated time-keeper so that when midnight approaches, they can gather all the guests together to toast the New Year. It would be fun to have some way to clearly note when the New Year has arrived in addition to having you television tuned to local broadcasting. Pull together all the clocks in your house. Synchronize the time and set the alarms to go off at midnight. Or, have noisemakers as party favors for guests so everyone can "ring" in the New Year!

I hope my tips will be helpful in planning your New Year’s Eve party. Have a safe and happy New Year! I look forward to talking to you in 2007.

Lasagna for Christmas Dinner!

When you think about Christmas dinner, you may think of Roast Turkey, Prime Rib Roast or a Pork Roast complete with all the trimmings. These types of meals generally need to be prepared on the same day of the dinner, taking time away from family and the holiday festivities. My husband is of Italian decent and introduced me to his family's Christmas dinner tradition: Lasagna. At first, this took some adjustment for me, but in time I certainly saw the advantages. All the preparation is done in on December 23 and then enjoyed on Christmas Day with very little kitchen stress because we simply pop the lasagna in the oven about an hour before dinnertime.

My husband's family traditionally serves a lasagna with seafood in the sauce. I like No-Fail Baked Seafood Lasagna that uses a cream sauce instead of a tomato sauce. For a holiday red-and-green appearance to your lasagna, try Spinach Lasagna. Or if you prefer a traditional lasagna recipe, I recommend preparing Simply Lasagna. You can view a video on how to prepare Simply Lasagna by clicking to: http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=cookingschool&m=cookingschool/video_display&vid=296

Whatever you decide to prepare for the holiday, please relax and enjoy this special time with your family. I'll be spending Christmas Day with just my immediate family. We enjoy Christmas Day because it is the one day out of the year that we know all four of us will spend the entire day together at a leisurely pace. On the 26th, we travel to visit our family at points beyond. It is the ties that bind us that gives real meaning to life.

No-Fail Baked Seafood Lasagna

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=91413

Spinach Lasagna

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=51636

Simply Lasagna

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=52379

Knock 'em Dead with this Ornament Cake

Looking for a show-stopping dessert to take to your in-laws (or anywhere!) this Christmas? You will WOW! them with this recipe for Chocolate Cream Ornament Cake that my friend Michele developed for the holiday issue of the Kraft magazine Food & Family. Take a look at the right - isn't it beautiful? You can see how it is done by watching the holiday video on kraftfoods.com : http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=cookingschool&m=cookingschool/video_display&vid=337

Another fun holiday cake recipe developed this year is Sparkling Tree Cakes. Baked cake layers are transformed into Christmas treed. Watch how its done on this video: http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=cookingschool&m=cookingschool/video_display&vid=338

Sparkling Tree Cakes

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=98086

Would you like to receive the Kraft Food & Family magazine? Its free - you can sign up by clicking on this link: http://kraftfoods.com/promo/ffmag/ffmag_offer_signup_landing.aspx?m=/profile/profile_log_in_start&promo_id=2913&task=FFMag&s=profile&redirect=/kf/FoodandFamily/foodandfamily.html&appswitch=a&rmain=a

In each issue, you'll find lots of recipes for quick and tasty foods that are jsut right for the season. If you like the recipes in my blog, you are sure to love Food & Family magazine. Do yourself a favor and sign-up!

Gifts from your Kitchen

Thanks Lisa for all your great chocolate tips and recipes! I hope they help people out this holiday season.

School is just about out until the New Year which means it is time to recognize teachers and administrators for their contribution to my kids education. Many years ago we started the tradition of giving special kitchen-prepared treats to teachers. Once my daughter was about 12 years old, she decided that she should be the one preparing the treats. Her specialty is Peppermint Bark. She prepares the recipe for Holiday Chocolate Bark (linked below) and sprinkles crushed candy canes on the surface after she marbles the white and semi-sweet chocolates together. We purchase small cellophane bags from a craft store as well as small red velvet bows with twist ties to package the candy into special looking holiday gifts. The bark only takes three ingredients to prepare and is ready to cool in just about 30 minutes! No one realizes how easy this is, and the homemade aspect of the gift lets the teachers know that we truly appreciate them.

There are many other recipes I can recommend as something to prepare in your kitchen and give as a gift. The Soft and Chewy Chocolate Bites is a chocolate lovers dream that can be personalized with different toppings. Be sure to use butter when making these cookies - using a spread or margarine causes the cookies to spread. Package the cookies in a tin or a carton (both available in craft stores) or simply put them in a gift box and wrap them up.

Chocolate Covered Cherries have been a favorite of mine since I was a child, but until this recipe was developed in the Kraft Kitchens, I always bought them from a candy shop. Not anymore! Give them a try - they are so much better than store bought because of the cookie-nut coating that surrounds the cherry.

If you are a fan of chewy fruit flavored jellied candies - give a try at making your own by preparing Orange Jelly Candies. It is quite simple to make using pectin (the ingredient that is usually used to thicken jellies and jams.)

California White Chocolate Fudge was developed in the test kitchen about 20 years ago and has been a favorite of mine ever since. It is very unique and refreshing - the flavor of the tart apricots complements the sweetness of the white chocolate.

Homemade jams and jellies are always a hit and can be prepared when fruit is in season for gift giving at the holidays. Try SURE.JEL Plum Jam or any of the other recipes on kraftfoods.com. Put a ribbon and bow around the jar before giving.

No matter what gift you give from your kitchen, it is always a nice touch if you provide a recipe along with the gift so that the recipient can prepare some of their own if they would like. Index cards work well and can be made to look special by adding holiday stickers. No matter who you give a homemade treat for, you can expect to receive sincere appreciation in the thanks you note you'll receive. Enjoy!

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Bites

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=95168

Chocolate Christmas Cherries

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=56391

Orange Jelly Candy

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=63267

California White Chocolate Fudge

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=54358

SURE.JELL® Plum Jam

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=52036

BAKER'S® Chocolate Holiday Bark

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=66198

What’s a Holiday without Chocolate?

Hi! My name is Lisa and I work with Wendy in the Kraft Kitchens. She asked me to share some of my chocolate expertise with you. When I think of the holidays, visions of chocolate recipes start dancing in my head! Because, my friends, I am a chocoholic. In cakes, cookies, cheesecakes or candy, it needs to be chocolate – the darker, the better. Old favorites, or new recipes from friends, I love them all, as long as they are chocolate.

My love for chocolate goes back to childhood – who can forget those chocolate bars, plain or with almonds, or peanut butter cups, that we bought on our way home from school with our allowance. And I’m not talking those little miniature bars available today – I’m talking full-size candy bars!

Chocolate, in a drink form, has been around since the 1500’s in Mexico, and was considered a drink of the gods and kings. We are lucky in our time that everyone can enjoy chocolate in its many forms.

I am thrilled to work in the Kraft Kitchens because I have access to all the information and delicious recipes available from BAKER”S Chocolate. I work on something I love and learn a lot in the process. I think having a basic knowledge of chocolate really helps, so that you can understand how the different types of chocolate will bring their own uniqueness to recipes. So here are some basic facts and hints on working with chocolate.

Types of Chocolate – The main types of chocolate available are:

Unsweetened – solid chocolate liquor, from the crushed roasted cocoa beans, with nothing added. Containing only chocolate solids and cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate is the purest form of chocolate.
Semi-Sweet – a bit of sugar, cocoa butter and vanilla give this it’s rich, sweet taste.
Bittersweet – unsweetened chocolate with additional cocoa butter and sugar, but with a darker more pronounced European chocolate flavor than semi-sweet
Milk – the addition of milk solids, cocoa butter and sugar give milk chocolate its distinctive flavor. This is most often eaten as a candy bar and is the chocolate we remember most from our childhood.
White – although made with cocoa butter, milk and sugar, this is technically not even chocolate, since it contains no chocolate solids/liquor. It is creamy white to yellow in color and mild and sweet in flavor.

Handling chocolate

Storage - chocolate needs to be stored in a cool dry place, below 75ºF if possible, but not in the refrigerator. At higher temperatures, chocolate grays in color when the cocoa butter naturally rises to the surface. This color change, however, doesn't affect the chocolate's flavor or quality.
Melting – chocolate is easily melted on the stove top in a double boiler, over simmering, not boiling, water. Stir occasionally until melted, being careful not to get any water in the melted chocolate or it will “seize” and become grainy.

Chocolate can also be melted in the microwave. Each type of chocolate is slightly different in how long it takes to melt, so follow the direction on the package. Whenever possible, err on the side of under-melted – you can always add a few more seconds but you can’t undo burnt chocolate!

Storing chocolate desserts – always follow the recommendations in the recipe on how to store your finished dessert. Many recipe, such as truffles or some fudges, need to be refrigerated. Always wrap your desserts well, since chocolate can pick up flavors from the other foods in your refrigerator – and who wants chocolate dessert that taste like last night’s garlic bread! When storing desserts at room temperature, be sure they are in and airtight container and the area is cool and dry.
I hope these tips and the accompanying recipes and videos, help bring a little chocolate-joy to your holiday baking.

For a fun and easy dessert, make these chocolate-dipped treats. Have the kids help you decorate them – with sprinkles, colored sugars or alternating types of chocolate. Each one will be unique. Be sure to store any perishable items, such as dipped strawberries, in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Holiday Chocolate-Dipped Delights

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=57340

Fudge is always a favorite Holiday treat in my house. And this recipe is so simple to make. You can change the fudge by following one of the variation tips, such as Rocky Road or Peanut Butter. And because it can be made up to 1 week ahead, I can make several different batches of fudge and bring it to Holiday celebrations at my friends’ homes.

BAKER’S ONE BOWL Chocolate Fudge

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=57398

Here is another great fudge recipe I like to make, for those family members and friends who love white chocolate. And with the dried cranberries and grated orange peel, the colors are great on a mixed tray of candy.

White Chocolate Fudge

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=69018

Add a simple marbled bark to your candy tray with this crunchy cookie bark.

Chocolate Cookie Bark

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=95144

Video for cookie bark preparation

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=cookingschool&m=cookingschool/video_display&vid=335

Creamy and oh-so chocolaty – these are every bit as good as store bought truffles. They make great gifts!

Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles Royale

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=69188

Every dessert table needs a special cake and this one really fits the bill. And use the accompanying chocolate frosting recipe for a truly chocolate blast.

BAKER’S ONE BOWL Chocolate Cake

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=54534

BAKER’S ONE BOWL Chocolate Frosting

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=52063

For those cheesecake lovers at the party, this one is truly a showstopper dessert. With it’s OREO crust, and semi-sweet chocolate, it really is a chocolate lovers dream dessert. The hazelnut liqueur gives it a festive touch.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=51341
Video on Cheesecake Basics:

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=cookingschool&m=cookingschool/video_display&vid=131


For decorating all your Holiday desserts with chocolate, here is a great video for Easy Chocolate Decorations:

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=cookingschool&m=cookingschool/video_display&vid=18

Tips for a Holiday Open House

Finally my house is decorated, just in time for my holiday party. Instead of sending traditional cards to the people living close enough to attend a party, I send a party invitation so that I can offer my Season’s Greetings in person. I like having an open house style party because it gives my friends the freedom to come and go as their schedule permits. We invite the children too, because to me, this time of year is all about family.

This year, my party is not meant to be a meal, and I make that clear in my invitation, titling the party “Holiday Appetizer Extravaganza”. It is important to make it clear in an invitation if the event is a meal or just appetizers so your guests can plan accordingly. If guests arrive anticipating a meal and you are just serving appetizers, expect to run out of food early. And if you prepared a meal, you want your guests to come hungry! So, don’t leave your invitation open to interpretation; make it clear.

I know some people get flustered when thinking of having a lot of people in their house to feed, but there are many ways to cut down on the amount of “menu stress” you feel. Planning the “right” menu eases the stress of the event and creates a pleasurable epicurean experience. Here are some pointers for planning a holiday open house menu:

• Select recipes that can either be totally prepared in advance, or at least the majority of the recipe. On my selection of appetizers below, I have written tips about what can be done in advance.


• Its not just appearance of food that matters. When selecting appetizers keep in mind the taste, texture, and temperature. Provide a variety of hot, cold, crunchy, creamy, spicy, salty and sweet.


• If your guests will be standing while they eat, make sure that the foods aren’t prone to dripping or otherwise difficult to eat while standing up. Your carpet will be happy you thought this through!


• Keep in mind that you have a lot of different palates attending your party. My husband and I like foods that are out of the ordinary. But because other people prefer tried and true familiar flavors, we don’t make our appetizer table full of only unusual fare. And if you are the type of person that prefers the ordinary, keep in mind that for some of your guests, plain is boring. Add a couple more unusual recipes; your guest will be glad you did.


• If you are inviting children, be sure to have some basic “kid-friendly” food available. A basic dip with carrot sticks and crackers is a stand-by, as well as sliced cheese and crackers. Popcorn is also easy to prepare and fills them up.

When laying out your table, place foods that are easy to pick up at the center of the table, and foods that might need serving utensils towards the front. For example, place a cheese ball that needs a knife towards the edge of the table and a stuffed mushroom that is simply picked up towards the center. If your home has enough space, considering placing small groupings of foods around your house rather than everything at one table. This way, your guests will move around the entire party area, mingling with more people as they go, creating a livelier gathering.

I hope these tips may ease some of your holiday entertaining stress. Let me know if you have other ways of entertaining with ease. Here are some of the foods I served at my "Holiday Appetizers Extravaganza".

My husband is of Italian descent, so we always have an antipasto at a appetizer gathering. Good news: it can be prepared in advance, and it will taste better the next day.

Antipasto http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=51146

These Party Roll-Ups can be prepared in advance and add a colorful holiday appearance to your table. http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=66260

Here are a couple recipes keeping the kids in mind, and adults enjoy there cute-appeal too!
You could allow children to make their own Reindeer RITZ®
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=76222=76222

Christmas Ornaments http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=89321s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=89321s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=89321

This traditional holiday recipe can be prepared in advance and baked just prior to your guests arrival. Bacon Water Chestnuts http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=50888m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=50888

Stuffed mushrooms are always a hit. They can be prepared in advance and heated prior to your guests arrival.

The Ultimate Stuffed Mushroom http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=91499

Look for the "Make Ahead" tip on this recipe:
Little Reubens
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=52308

This recipe can be made a couple days in advance. Just pop it under the broiler just before your guests arrive.

Cheesy Appetizer Loaf
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=95122s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=95122

This recipe can be made a week in advance. Consider preparing some extra to pack in small cellophane bags to give to your guests as they leave.

Spicy Coated Nuts http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=91443

Simple, pretty, easy to eat, this recipe can be prepared in advance. Cream Cheese 'n Herb Cucumber Bites
http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=56995

This recipe from our current Food & Family magazine has been a big hit. They can be prepared in advance and reheated as your guest arrive. Baked Crab Rangoon http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=95157

No party is complete without a dip. This festive version tastes equally delicious with vegetable or cracker dippers. Make in advance to blend the flavors.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=57438